1968-Voice Of The Tennessee Walking Horse 1968 January Voice RS | Page 108

When horse folks get together for a "barn-warming,”
you can bet that they will not only show up but they
will be there with much enthusiasm. We attended just
such an affair recently as Henry H. "Sonny” Souther­
land officially opened the barn door for business at
the Lake Valley Farms in Leeds, Alabama. Mr. and
Mrs. Tom Jernigan of Birmingham, owners of the new
facility, were the gracious host and hostess and did a
fine job of making everyone feel at home.
Sunday, December 10 was the date for the event,
and the rain stopped and the sun came out for the
affair. The new stable is located in a beautiful valley
just off the shore of Lake Purdy and the surroundings
reminded some visitors of the great northwest with
rolling sage fields and tall pines.
Sonny Southerland, who is a well-known manager
and trainer from the deep South, wdll be general
manager of all activities at Lake Valley Stables, in­
cluding training and equitation. They have an estab­
lished following of youngsters w'ho are interested in
riding lessons and horsemanship. Doing most of the
riding and training for Lake Valley Stables will be
Tex Smith, a young man with a good pair of hands
and proven stock to show what he can do. Together
they should make a fine team.
About one hundred people showed up for the barn
party and were treated to refreshments as well as a
good showing of some of the top stock in the barn.
The thirty-two stalls are already filled and plans now-
call for expansion. Pleasure horses are also a big part
of the activity here, so all of the stalls will not contain
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showr horses. With over a hundred acres of rolling
land to cover, it would be a pleasure just to visit and
go riding with Sonny and the Jernigans.
Highlight of the afternoon was a surprise Christmas
present in the form of PRIDE OF NIGHT that Miss
Janice Hackney received from her parents. This is a
fine Ladies Amateur horse and Janice should do well
in 1968. Other horses in the barn include a Junior
study by MACK K that is owned by Jed K. Vaughn
of Birmingham; a Junior chestnut mare owned by
M. E. Huddleston; a fine black pony owned by Her­
man Kirchler of Birmingham and ridden by Linda
Kirchler; a Ladies’ Amateur mare by MACK K owned
by Jeffrey Ryding named REALLY MINE, and four
fine horses owned by the Ben Beckhams of Birming­
ham. These horses include SUN’S GOLDEN PARAD-
ER and GO BOY’S MISS NASSAU.
Tom and Jimmie Jernigan are also proud of their
own stock. They have a three-year-old chestnut stud
by WISER’S GO BOY, a Junior mare by B MAJOR
WILSON, and two good two-year-olds by MACK K'S
CASTRO, the fine Alabama stallion owned by J. W.
Renfroe. Mr. Jernigan is owner of the United Chair
Company and has an interest in a series of Quick-
Mart Drive In Stores as well as being active in sev
eral other business ventures. We hope he and his fam­
ily rely on the Walking Horse business for the rest
and relaxation that it can bring. Be sure to visit Lake
Valley Farms whenever you are in this area. Visitors
are always welcome. It was a good party and we were
pleased to be invited!
Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse